Langhe DOC Nebbiolo 2022 - Aurelio Settimo

Nebbiolo from Barolo vineyards, interpreted differently

The distinctive identity of Aurelio Settimo Langhe DOC Nebbiolo 2022 begins in La Morra. Its grapes grow in the same vineyard area as the estate's Barolo, particularly in younger plots with a south-easterly exposure. Yet the winery deliberately takes another approach to extraction and maturation, producing a wine with a recognisable Nebbiolo character and a more approachable expression.

Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this is a still red that highlights fruit, natural grape tannins and freshness. Above all, its profile is not shaped by oak: the estate chooses concrete ageing to keep the variety itself at the forefront.

La Morra and the Settimo family

Aurelio Settimo is a family wine estate based in Annunziata, a hamlet of La Morra in Piedmont's Langhe hills. The family's work is rooted in its own vineyards and in the area's traditional appellation wines. Aurelio's legacy has been carried forward by Tiziana Settimo and the following generation.

The grapes for this wine are drawn from south-east-facing vineyards on limestone and clay soils. The estate applies a maximum grape yield of approximately 8,000 kg per hectare, matching the limit for Nebbiolo destined for its Barolo. Vineyard origin is therefore an essential part of this bottling's identity.

Winemaking and maturation without oak

Traditional vinification includes about 8–10 days of skin contact, with frequent pumping over and working of the cap. This shorter maceration, compared with the estate's Barolo, aims to preserve varietal clarity while managing tannin extraction.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in concrete, followed by ageing in glass-lined concrete tanks. The producer's general technical profile indicates around 30 months in concrete and a minimum of three months in bottle. There is no oak-barrel maturation, so the grape's aromas are not overlaid by toasted-wood notes.

Tasting profile

The wine shows a garnet-red colour with ruby highlights. Its aromatic profile features red fruit, floral Nebbiolo nuances and subtle spicy touches. The palate combines supple texture, freshness, well-judged natural tannins and sound structure. It offers a clear expression of its origins without demanding the extended cellaring normally associated with a powerful Barolo.

Recognition for the 2022 vintage

The 2022 vintage received 91/100 from James Suckling and 91/100 from Bacchus – Alain Lebel, both scores reported by the producer for this specific vintage. These assessments support its appeal for drinkers seeking an estate-grown Nebbiolo with a documented critical track record.

Food and serving

Its fruit, structure and freshness make it a good companion for meat ragù, filled pasta, roast meats, slow-cooked beef and mature cheeses. Serve at approximately 16–18 °C. It is also especially revealing alongside the estate's Barolo, illustrating how vineyard selection, maceration and ageing choices shape two different expressions of Nebbiolo.

At a glance

• Producer: Aurelio Settimo, La Morra, Piedmont.
• Appellation: Langhe DOC Nebbiolo.
• Vintage: 2022.
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo.
• Vineyards: younger south-east-facing plots; limestone and clay soils.
• Winemaking: approximately 8–10 days on skins.
• Ageing: glass-lined concrete, without oak.
• Scores: 91/100 James Suckling; 91/100 Bacchus – Alain Lebel (2022).
• Bottle: 750 ml.